As the festive season approaches, manufacturers are launching new products, one after the other. Although the market is reeling under a slowdown, luxury car sales haven’t been affected much. In July we told you about Volvo’s plans to launch the facelifted versions of the XC60 and S60 in India in October. The launch will take place in Delhi on the 23rd of October 2013. The facelift of the XC90 will be launched later, mostly at the upcoming Auto Expo. Currently Volvo brings all its cars to India via the CBU route and there are no immediate plans to set up assembly operations.
Earlier this year, Volvo went on a facelift spree, updating all its models comprehensively. The automaker hasn’t been able to challenge the Germans in India due to its small dealership network and high pricing. However on the safety front, Volvo is considered among the very best. EuroNCAP crowned the Volvo V40 last year as the safest car they have ever tested. The Swedish automaker was sold to Geely of China by Ford a few years back. The company is now investing heavily in model updates and powertrain technologies.
So what is new in the facelifted S60 and XC60. Both cars get quite a lot of exterior updates including new front grille and front bumper with daytime running lights, updated headlights and tail lights, new alloy wheels. On the interior front, Volvo has improved the design quotient by offering sport front seats (on the S60) and improved quality with wood finish on some variants. Crucially though Volvo has upped the ante by offering more features on both vehicles, including several safety systems which will come as standard on the variants to be offered in our country. Expect a minor price hike as the depreciating Rupee will surely have a toll on import prices.
